UPS has extended the scope of its UPS Trade Direct Ocean service, adding 30 more origin ports in Asia and the Americas. UPS consolidates individual packages and clears them through customs as a single unit. The carrier then deconsolidates the individual shipments and delivers them through its small package and freight networks to their final destinations. The service speeds international shipments by as much as 20 days. (www.ups-scs.com)

PBB Global Logistics has acquired Canada's Clarke Logistics, the largest transportation management provider in the North American cross-border intermodal rail market. The acquisition allows PBB Global Logistics to use volume-buying power to negotiate lower rates for inter-modal freight moving between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. (www.pbb.com)

UniGroup Inc., the parent of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, has introduced an on-time, day-specific delivery guarantee for special product shipments, such as trade show exhibitions and high-value commodities. The guarantee assures timely service or a refund of 25 percent of the linehaul transportation charge. (www.unigroupinc.com)

Roadway Express has introduced its Time-Advantage service for expedited or emergency shipments. The new service offers a non-guaranteed expedited option at an affordable price, and includes proactive notification to alert customers to potential delays or problems. (www.roadway.com)

Bigston Corporation USA, DSC Logistics, and SSI have partnered to provide an integrated supply chain solution for consumer electronics companies. Bigston will refurbish and re-package products; DSC will provide warehousing, transportation, and supply chain management services; and SSI will perform recycling and material recovery tasks. (www.bigstononline.com, www.dsclogistics.com, www.supply-chainservices.com)